Reach Out, Gather In: 40 Days to Opening Your Heart and Home

by Karen Ehman

Like most women, you want to open up your home and connect with others. But you don't think you have the time or ability. Along comes Reach Out. Gather In.

Through devotionals and practical tips, New York Times bestselling author Karen Ehman will inspire you to put love into action in this 40-day journey of hospitality. Karen will help you with the how to and why of reaching out to others in meaningful ways. This book--part devotional, part practical handbook--will help you find loving ways to feed both the bodies and souls of the people whom God has placed in your life. In Reach Out. Gather In ., Karen will share
· some of her favorite recipes and hospitality traditions
· ideas for menu planning and themed gatherings
· sorta-from-scratch shortcuts for busy days when you need something delicious in a snap
· motivating stories and biblical inspiration
· space for answering reflective questions so you can journal your own 40-day excursion
· sidebars on decluttering and cleaning strategies

This beautiful book highlights the why of hospitality, so that your home and life will grow to be a place where the gospel is displayed, drawing others closer to Christ and making a difference for eternity.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Faith, Religion, Christianity, Christian Non Fiction, Self Help

253 pages, Hardcover

Published October 20, 2020

About the author

Karen Ehman is a speaker, a New York Times bestselling author, a contributing writer for Proverbs 31 Ministries Encouragement for Today online devotions and a teacher in the First 5 Bible study app. She has written 21 books and Bible studies including Keep It Shut: What to Say, How to Say It, and When to Say Nothing at All and the 2020 ECPA devotional book of the year Settle My Soul. She is a graduate of Spring Arbor University and serves as President-Elect of their Alumni Board of Directors. She has been featured on TODAY Parenting, Redbook.com, Foxnews.com, Crosswalk.com, YouVersion.com, and is a monthly columnist for HomeLife Magazine. Her passion is to help women live their priorities as they reflect the gospel to a watching world. Karen is married to her college sweetheart, Todd, and is the mother of six children: three biological and three in-laws by marriage—although she forgets which ones are which. She enjoys collecting vintage Pyrex kitchenware, cheering for the Detroit Tigers, and spending her days feeding the many people who gather around her mid-century dining table to process life and enjoy her county fair blue-ribbon winning cooking.

Reviews

[Roberta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by this book! It is so much more than a 40 day devotional. Lots of recipes, practical tips for everyday life and personal stories all wrapped around the scriptures. I love how the author offers God’s Word and its relevance to how we are to share our lives and home with our families and friends. There is plenty of opportunity to pray, journal and reflect which helps me in my faith journey.

[Mariale & Pieter Dros · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karen Ehman is a fabulous writer and speaker which encourage you to seek and serve God in the simplicity of your life. Certainly as Christians we have been called to be hospitable. In Reach Out Gather In Karen not just encourages you with a Biblical foundation to open your heart and homes for the people around us but also gives you amazing practical ways to be able to do it without feeling overwhelmed. From delicious recipes to very practical advices how to declutter your house. Keeping your home welcoming to everyone who gatheres in.. its a beautiful book!!!

[Rebekah Faust · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I was a little disappointed when I saw many of her tips from other books within the days. Then I began to take off my “I’ve read this filter” and read through the eyes of someone who had not read one of her books before. As I did that what I saw was great practical tips for biblical hospitality amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Along with new to me recipes that I’m excited to try out. It also helped me to look for ways to implement these in the midst of COVID. I must say...God had given me many opportunities to practice. So #reachoutgatherin! It’s worth it! 😊

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Launching this book while we're all adjusting to life beyond COVID might seem illogical. It actually is the perfect time. The opportunity to learn again how to open our homes and love on those around us. With wit, grace and recipes, Karen creates a beautiful tapestry of hospitality.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I also love to read Karen Ehman’s writing! As I read, it’s as if she is sitting right across from me and sharing her heart!
She share her heart on hospitality and give easy easy to incorporate it into daily life. She also helped me get past the hesitation of working on being hospitable! She shares with humor and practicality! I also love that she gives cleaning tips/hacks and even some amazing recipes!! Can’t wait to try them out!

[Abbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the message of this book - to intentionally reach out to the people in our lives, drawing them into our homes and Christ’s love. Lots of practical tips were offered (like recipes and specific ways to serve people) as well as the reminder that God has given us everything we need to love others well.

[Hilary Wilkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This devotional is a wonderful tool for anyone who has been unsure about how to welcome others into their lives and show them Jesus. Karen Ehman writes in a way that is enticing and encouraging, giving practical tips, and pointing always to Jesus as the reason.

[Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karen Ehman is my go-to author for all things home and fellowship. This book is the perfect addition to any library as both a devotion and a reference. In her “talking to a friend over coffee” writing style, Reach Out, Gather In provides simple, meaningful ideas for creating a welcoming home even in the midst of imperfect timing or situations. Full of relatable stories, delicious recipes and quick housekeeping tips in the form of a daily devotion, this is a must have for those who, like me, struggle sometimes when it comes to hospitality.

[Sarah Poling · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review:
The above description is accurate. This is a biblically-based, purposeful, practical, easy to read, well explained, and illustrated with real-life examples book, that will propel the reader into action and equip her love others well. I loved that the author explained greek words connected to her principles and the scriptures that she shared. I learned, reviewed, and felt mentored in the process of reading this book.

This would be a great discussion with friends.

Thankful to partner with Bethany House publishing.

[Stacy Lahm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a devotional that speaks to the heart and the home. Karen Ehman gives Bible verses and ties them into practical life applicable messages and practical tips on being hospitable. This book guides us in the fulfilling the calling that God has placed on us to invite others in. It is a daily devotional that is easy to read and doesn’t take a lot of time (but I found myself reading more than one day at a time). I recommend this book for those seeking God’s truth spoken in a loving way and finding practical tips on having a home that is inviting.

[Nancy Silvers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always admired women, and some men too, who share hospitality and about Jesus so naturally. I have not been so blessed. My excuses? My home is not neat enough, What will I serve? What do I have to offer??!! Karen Ehman, in this book, breaks down and eliminates all my excuses. This 40 day challenge is broken down into eight weeks of five days of devotions. She shares personal stories, Bible truths, personal application challenges(with questions to help the reader hone in on their gifts and talents), awesome suggestions to get your house and thought life in order AND lots of delicious recipes. I am already putting into practice what I have learned! It is a beautiful, hard covered book that would be a wonderful addition to your library and I know I will be purchasing some for gifts! I highly recommend Reach Out, Gather In!!

[Tiffany Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been clinging to Psalm 68:6 "God sets the lonely in families!" He wants us to reach out and extend the same benevolence and kindness, he shown and graced us with, to our community, our loved ones, and the underdogs that get looked over. Practical ways to show our hospitality in a 40-day devotional. I was given a sneak-peek to read this practical book, and it is God's perfect timing, to read this in this unprecedented time of Covid-19. Her oatmeal quick dinner recipe is one I'm going to try out.

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This new book Reach Out Gather In ~ 40 Days To Opening Your Heart and Home by Karen Ehman, is so beautiful and full of inspiration. The book is full of practical and simple information to use to encourage more hospitality. This world needs more hospitality in it! I see our world falling away from opening up and inviting people into their lives. Hospitality doesn't have to be a scary word, if you are an introvert like me. There are many different ways to do this and this book shares how. It is about Jesus and the people He has put in your life. It is about noticing others!
I like books that encourage you to write in them, because I do write in books I read. The book is set up with 5-days of reading per week for 8-weeks, with a weekly memory verse. At the end of the book she has provided the memory verses in a cut-out. Each days reading Karen share's real-life experiences, a Biblical message, along with a short assignment - to put it into action! Which is so important! We are not suppose to just read and input, we are also suppose to act and do, that is one of the callings Jesus has given us to do. Another bonus in this book, are some yummy-easy recipes.

[Ali Lucas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great way to help get you ready for holiday and more. I love that it only takes a few minutes to read each day and that you get the chance to journal the changes you want to see, are given examples on how to make those changes, and easy things I can either change or add to make my life ready to be hospitable.

[Tami Vesey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karen's book has it all!!! I love devotionals and this one is great. Karen shares great stories, wonderful hospitality tips, recipes, and meaningful scriptures. This devotional is a blessing and will make a great gift. Make sure you bless yourself with this book and then bless a friend.

[Rachel Adams]

"Reach Out, Gather In" is a great devotional book that talks about sharing our hearts and homes with others. Using our hospitality to show the love of God to others.

[Kiffany Stollings · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Karen Ehman’s latest book, “Reach Out Gather In” she writes and I quote, “If God commands us to practice hospitality (Romans 12:13), He will make a way for us to obey that command.” This 40 day devotional definitely shows us that way.

The book is full of personal stories, ideas for decluttering and ways to get your home and your heart ready to open to others. She shares some of her favorite recipes which I can’t wait to try. She brings Bible characters to life in ways only Karen can.

After reading this book, I have gained a new outlook on hospitality. Not only finding out I should open my home regardless of what it looks like or how big it is, but I need to open my heart as well.

[Mary Marinos Betley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy Karen Ehman’s writing style, and was excited to get an advanced copy of Reach Out Gather In. This 40 day devotion, inspires you to open up your home and heart to others, even if you don’t think it’s your gift. Helpful tips to clean and declutter, yummy quick and easy recipes, inspirational Bible verses to feed your soul and all with her signature tickle to the heart and funny bone. I highly recommend!

[Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karen Ehman’s writing style is lighthearted and motherly. I feel as though I can hear her coaching me through the words of the Bible. She gives great insight on hospitality, fun tips that help you to be hospitable in all instances of your life and fun recipes to share with others. Definitely an inspiring read and plan on reading again.

[Angela Baughman · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a time when it is tempting to limit gathering with others, Karen's book is a welcome reminder of how important it is to nurture connection through providing hospitality. Thank you for the gentle nudging to continue finding ways to share our hearts and our homes.

[Leanna Hagen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have received an advance digital copy of this most welcoming book! I’m telling you, this is my new favorite devotional! The author obviously knows my heart for hospitality as well as my struggles! I enjoy her tips for cleaning and organizing, and I find the weekly Ponder and Pray portion to be quite challenging! This is a truly distinguishable quick daily read which I will use over and over again in my quiet time!

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the perfect book for mothers of teens. I would have loved to have read it back when my own daughters were in their teenage years.

[Sue Forry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reach Out Gather In by Karen Ehman is a book of 40 days to opening your heart and home, but it's SO much more! I have loved Karen's work and enjoy reading her books. I have also read many books on hospitality but found that Reach Out Gather In is so much more!

Reach Out Gather In is set up to be read as one devotional per day. I, however, was so moved by the book I read it continuously. There is a space for journaling along the way, as well as part Bible study depending on the day. Karen also shares the gift of her famous recipes throughout the book. Karen shares many of her personal stories as well. This book is real and offers inspiration for women today.

I found that this book also challenged me in an unexpected way. It challenged me to think about my goals, dreams and aspirations. I confess, I was not expecting that from a book about hospitality! That's what the book is so much more. I highly recommend this book, not only for personal reflection, inspiration, Bible study and ideas, but also as a gift for anyone who may want to explore those same ideas. I also quickly found myself highlighting and starring ideas in the book!

I was given a free copy from the publisher for my honest review, which I was happy to do. I highly recommend Reach Out Gather In. This book is a gem!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Karen‘s new book. It offers easily accomplishable ideas to add to your life to help have good Jesus conversations with strangers as well as friends! The recipes are easy and provide another way to offer Christ to others. I am eager to put these suggestions in place and share the love of Christ with those around me!

[Danae Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book on sharing out hearts, lives and homes with others. How we can use our hospitality to show the love of God. As well as great recipes and simple ways to open your home and heart to people.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hospitality, humor, and recipes, what more could you ask for in a book. Karen has a way of writing that makes you feel like you are sitting with her around a table, having a great cup of coffee and talking about life.

This book helped me to understand how I can have my home be more welcoming to others. I am excited to put into practice what I have learned and trying out some of those awesome recipes!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a unique book - part devotional, part hospitality guide. I love Karen Ehman's signature warmth and vulnerability here, which gently invites you to open your home to others in love. We tried several of her included recipes, and they were amazing! A fun read with short, engaging chapters for busy women like myself.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Karen Ehman's book Reached Out, Gather In. I loved how she looked at hospitality through the Bible and brought it into the current way of life. I have learned that you do not have to set up an elaborate dinner and a clean house to be open to hospitality. Sharing the love and fellowship is more important than having a spotless house. This opens many doors to showing the love of the Lord.

[Mefielding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hospitality, the art of opening your heart and home to others. Prepare for sound biblical teachings, personal stories seasoned with laughter, spiced with delightful tips, and served up with a generous portion of comfort food recipes. This little book on hospitality weaves a story about Love that is bigger than imagined.

[AnnaScott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet book about hospitality. It was equal parts devotional to explain the 'why' of hospitality, and practical tips to help with the 'how.' Plus it was endorsed by Sally Clarkson, so that's always a plus. :)